'Complacency' On Virus In Western Springs?

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — Western Springs has seen low numbers of confirmed coronavirus cases, but it is seeing bigger increases lately, the village's leader said this week. Just since Sunday, the village's caseload rose 17 percent, to 97. That's still far better than other area towns.

"Throughout the course of the COVID-19 crisis, the number of reported positive cases in Western Springs has remained low as compared to our neighbors and the entire region," Village President Alice Gallagher said at Monday's Village Board meeting. "However, we have seen an increase over the last few weeks, especially in the under-30 demographic."

Gallagher said the village is closely tracking coronavirus reports. She urged the public to follow government guidelines on masks and social distancing. And she said the village is investing in signs in high-traffic areas, reminding the public of the guidelines.

"It's not about politics, it's about public health," Gallagher said. "Don't panic, just wear a mask. Right now, this is the only route to a full reopening."

During public input, resident Jessica McGinnis commended the town for its low coronavirus numbers, but expressed concern about the recent increases.

"Our low numbers did lead to some complacency and relaxed standards," she said. "We have had a wake-up call as our cases have climbed more rapidly."

She urged the village to become more proactive in its efforts to curb the virus, saying she wanted to better understand and define the village's role.

Gallagher said she would have the village manager get in contact with McGinnis.

While the number of Western Springs cases now stands at 97, it was 50 as of June 28, according to Cook County figures. In the five weeks before June 28, the case total only increased by 11.